Is your food photography so tantalizing it almost makes you want to swap your camera out for a fork? DoorDash needs mouthwatering photos of restaurant dishes to display on their website and mobile app. There are a few shoot types to participate in, so it’s essential to read the respective Creative Brief for the gig type you’re assigned. Submitted photos must incorporate all unique standards and styles to achieve full payout!

DoorDash Shoot Types


Scheduled, Onsite Shoots - $60 Payout

  • Scheduled, onsite shoots have a specific shoot date, time, and address listed on the gig page. Menu items are photographed onsite at the restaurant.
  • Deliverables: One photo per dish and up to 10 dishes to be shot per location.
  • Review the full Creative Brief here.

Unscheduled, Offsite Shoots - $35 Payout + $45 Food Budget

  • Unscheduled, offsite shoots don’t have a specific shoot date or time, and food is ordered from the restaurant for takeout (or delivery, if applicable) and replated/shot from your home or studio.
  • Deliverables: One photo per dish and 5-7 dishes to be shot per location.
  • Review the full Creative Brief here.

Required Gear For All Shoot Types

  • DSLR camera/lenses
  • Off camera and wireless trigger flash system
  • Shoot through umbrella
  • Light stand
  • White foam core board
  • Whitebalance card
  • Off-white/neutral placemat and cloth napkin, non-disposable cutlery, ceramic plate/bowl/dish (not required for Scheduled, Onsite shoots but highly recommended)

Example DoorDash Menu Photos


Payment & Important Policies


Review & payment

The StudioNow Team reviews submitted photos on a regular basis. If the images you submit follow the Creative Brief guidelines, the images will be purchased and you’ll be paid out. To receive payment, you’ll need to request a withdrawal from the Payouts page on your StudioNow account. StudioNow processes payments up to 30 business days after payment has been withdrawn.

Upfront Expense Reimbursement Policy

For shoots that feature a food or beverage budget, we can send an upfront reimbursement for all assignments at once. All reimbursements are sent via PayPal, and you’ll need to submit your PayPal email address before the funds can be issued. StudioNow regularly audits the amount of reimbursements sent compared to the amount of shoots completed. Should a shoot be cancelled or roadblocked, you must use the outstanding funds for an additional shoot or send the money back to StudioNow. Additional gig reimbursements cannot be sent until outstanding funds are accounted for.

Disciplinary Policy

StudioNow observes a one-strike policy to ensure a seamless photoshoot experience for everyone involved. In the event one of the below situations happens and you did not proactively communicate with a Project Manager, you will be ineligible from participating in further shoots. Strikes are issued if:

  1. You miss a shoot.
  2. Photos are submitted late (or not at all).
  3. There is a substantial complaint by a restaurant (e.g., excessive tardiness).
View Open Gigs


FAQ - Scheduled, Onsite Shoots


Q: What should I do if the restaurant cancels the shoot when I reach out to confirm?

A: Should a restaurant cancel a shoot when you’ve called to confirm, Roadblock the location on the gig page in your StudioNow account as ‘Location/Client cancelled.’ Be sure to leave a message noting the location cancelled so the Project Manager can reschedule the shoot.

Q: What should I do if I need to reschedule a shoot?

A: Scheduled, onsite shoots should not be rescheduled if possible, but we understand there are certain instances where a reschedule is needed. Reach out to the restaurant contact to see if there is another day/time (that is as close to the original date/time as possible) that would work for both of you, and be sure to CC the Project Manager. Otherwise, if the merchant wishes to keep the original shoot day and time and you are unable to attend, please reach out to your Project Manager as soon as possible to have the location reassigned.

Q: The restaurant forgot about and/or cancelled the shoot when I arrived. What should I do?

A: During your initial outreach to confirm the shoot, always make sure that you’re speaking with the owner of the restaurant and confirm who will be your point of contact for the day of the shoot. If the shoot is cancelled after you’ve already arrived, Roadblock the location on the gig page in your StudioNow account and leave a message to let us know. We’ll do our best to compensate you for the time spent traveling to the restaurant. Should we determine the shoot was cancelled from reasons outside of your control after arriving, you’ll be reimbursed 50% of the shoot payout.

FAQ - Unscheduled, Offsite Shoots


Q: Will the restaurant know I’m shooting for DoorDash?

A: The restaurant will NOT know that you’re shooting for DoorDash. These are locations in DoorDash's backlog - the company is looking to update their menus.

Q: What if the food costs exceed $45?

A: We’re only able to reimburse you for $45 worth of food. We suggest ordering one entree and a mixture of sides, appetizers, or other smaller dishes. If a restaurant’s food is particularly expensive, you can shoot two dishes, but please leave a message on the gig page for your Project Manager to explain why you only shot two dishes.

Q: What if I can’t complete the assignment by the due date?

A: If you can’t complete the assignment by the due date please reach out to the Project Manager immediately so we can get your shoot reassigned. Note that late submissions or an inability to complete the shoot may be subject to a strike as outlined in the Disciplinary policy (depending on how soon notice was given before the assignment deadline).

Q: What if I can't find the restaurant on Doordash?

A: If you can’t find a location on the DoorDash app, search for it on Google. In the side bar next to the restaurant details there should be an “Order” button underneath “Menu,” and DoorDash should show up as an ordering option and lead you to the DoorDash menu.

Q: What if the restaurant is not available for delivery?

A: You can shoot at the restaurant, or you can order for take out on the DoorDash app ahead of time. You can also order from another food delivery app or from the restaurant directly. This video should walk you through it.